Take the Shortbread Cookie Challenge!
Make simple shortbread cookies by measuring, mixing, shaping, and baking with adult supervision, then taste and learn about measurements and patience.
Step-by-step guide to make shortbread cookies
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
Step 2
Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 3
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
Step 4
Measure 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and put it into the mixing bowl.
Step 5
Measure 1/2 cup granulated sugar and add it to the mixing bowl.
Step 6
Measure 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt and add them to the mixing bowl.
Step 7
Stir or beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and a little fluffy.
Step 8
Mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms with no big dry patches.
Step 9
Press the dough onto the lined baking sheet to make a 1/2 inch thick rectangle or circle.
Step 10
Use a fork to prick the top of the dough all over to make little holes.
Step 11
Ask an adult to put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 12
Ask an adult to use oven mitts to remove the baking sheet and place the shortbread on the cooling rack.
Step 13
Let the shortbread cool on the rack for at least 15 minutes so it becomes firm.
Step 14
Taste a cookie and talk with an adult about how measuring and waiting changed how they look and taste.
Step 15
Share your finished shortbread cookie creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, use the same 1 cup (2 sticks) of salted butter and omit or reduce the 1/4 teaspoon salt called for in the recipe.
My dough is crumbly or dry—what should I do?
If the dough is crumbly after you 'mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms,' soften the butter more or add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough holds together.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult preheat the oven and measure the ingredients while the child presses the dough onto the lined baking sheet and pricks it with a fork, and for older kids let them measure the 2 1/4 cups flour and time the 18–22 minute bake with adult supervision.
How can we make or decorate the shortbread differently?
To personalize the shortbread, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 tablespoon lemon zest when mixing, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking at 325°F for 18–22 minutes, or cut and decorate shapes after the 15-minute cooling.
Watch videos on how to make shortbread cookies
Making Shortbread | Kid-Friendly Cooking Activity | Mimi & DeeNice (Episode 60)
3 Videos
Making Shortbread | Kid-Friendly Cooking Activity | Mimi & DeeNice (Episode 60)
School's Out? Bake These for Teachers (Vanilla & Cacao Shortbread Cookies)
Miss Molly's Simple Shortbread - Cooking for Children
Facts about baking for kids
⏱️ Chilling shortbread dough for 20–30 minutes helps cookies keep their shape while baking.
🧈 Classic shortbread often follows a 1:2:3 ratio by weight (sugar:butter:flour) — tasty math you can try!
📏 Measuring matters: 1 cup is roughly 240 ml, so accurate measuring helps recipes turn out the same every time.
🍪 Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit that’s been enjoyed for centuries and was often made for celebrations.
🔥 Shortbread is usually baked 'low and slow' (around 325°F / 160°C) so it stays tender and pale.
How do you do the Shortbread Cookie Challenge with a child?
What materials do I need for making simple shortbread cookies?
What ages is the Shortbread Cookie Challenge suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for doing the Shortbread Cookie Challenge?
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